Safety in snow sports

FIS rules of behaviour

Piste rules for safe fun in the snow

  1. Consideration for others 
    Every piste user must adapt their behaviour in such a way that they do not endanger, harm or restrict anyone else. 

  2. Control of speed & skiing style
    Visibility is mandatory. Speed and skiing style must be adapted to the prevailing conditions of terrain, snow, weather and traffic density. 

  3. Choice of lane  
    A piste user coming from behind must choose their lane in such a way that people in front of them are not endangered.  

  4. Overtaking 
    As long as the person being overtaken is given sufficient room to manoeuvre, overtaking is permitted from any side. 

  5. Entering & starting  
    Before entering a downhill run, before starting off after a stop or before travelling uphill, every piste user must check in all directions whether they are endangering anyone.  

  6. Stopping 
    It must be possible to stop safely at all times. In narrow or unclear places, this is only permitted in an emergency; such places must be cleared as quickly as possible after a fall. 

  7. Ascent & descent  
    The edge of the slopes must be used for the ascent or descent on foot. 

  8. Observe the signs 
    Markings and signals must be observed and adhered to.  

  9. Assistance 
    In the event of an accident, every piste skier is obliged to provide assistance. 

  10. Identification obligation  
    Every person on the piste is required to show identification. In the event of an accident, personal details must always be provided, regardless of responsibility or whether you are a witness or a participant.  

The FIS (Fédération Internationale de Ski) is the international ski federation based in Oberhofen on Lake Thun in Switzerland. It is responsible for both popular and top-class sport and has issued the 10 FIS Skiing Rules to promote safety in skiing and snowboarding on pistes through consideration. By the way: In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the FIS ski rules are rules of behaviour but not legal norms.